Supporting Families

Readability

Seasons For Growth

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At Ultimo Public School we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth.

This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research that highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on issues such as self esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks.

The Seasons for Growth Program runs for eight weeks and each weekly session is 40-50 minutes. The program concludes with a 'Celebration' session. Later in the year each group will have the opportunity to meet for two further sessions to build on their earlier learning.

Seasons for Growth will commence in Week 4 of this term and will be facilitated by teachers who have received special training in the use of this program. More programs will be conducted in Term 3 and Term 4. If you think your son or daughter would benefit from Seasons for Growth we would encourage you to talk to Miss Cottle or Mr Strachan.

More information regarding support for families experiencing grief or loss can be found at:

Interpreter service

Parents and carers who don't speak English well and deaf parents and carers who use sign language, can get assistance from the telephone interpreter service. An interpreter can be requested for school matters involving your child such as enrolment, subject choice, educational progress, attendance, welfare or behaviour. Interpreters can also be requested for parent-teacher interviews, school meetings, school council meetings, and parents and citizens meetings.

The telephone number to call is 131 450. Ask for an interpreter for the required language and the interpreter will call our school and stay on the line to assist you with your conversation. You will not be charged for this service. Parents and carers who need an interpreter to attend a school meeting should let us know.